Chapter 17, Problem 14STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the concentration of reactants not being zero at the end of the reaction is to be found out.

Concept introduction:

Once a reaction reaches equilibrium, the concentrations of the reactants and the products stop changing.

Answer to Problem 14STP

Since the reaction is a reversible reaction, the concentration of reactants is not zero at the end of this reaction.

Explanation of Solution

When a reversible reaction reaches equilibrium, its concentrations of reactants and products become stable. In other word the amount of reactants formed from products becomes equal to the products formed from reactants and the amount of reactants never goes to zero.

Conclusion

The reason for the reactants not reaching zero is the nature of the reaction.